Colts still believe Anthony Castonzo's setback is minor

The Indianapolis Colts have split the first two games of the season without the benefit of having their left tackle Anthony Castonzo suit up.

The eighth-year left tackle has been out since the beginning of August with a nagging hamstring injury. He was set to make his return in Week 2 before suffering a setback during the week of practice leading up to the game.

After failing to practice all week, the Colts had to rule him out for the third consecutive game.

Colts head coach Frank Reich believed the setback was minor when it initially happened, and he still believes in that notion entering the Week 3 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I would still hold to what I said from the very beginning which I thought it was a minor setback,” Reich told reporters Friday. “So we think he is making good progress again, but just want to play this thing conservative and work this thing out.”

Not having Castonzo is a downgrade for the Colts offensive line, and it is clear they won’t bring him back until he is 100 percent ready to go without the possibility of a setback.

Typically a durable left tackle, Castonzo missed his first game since the 2015 season. This is also the first time in his career that he’s failed to start the season protecting the blind side of his quarterback.

While the setback is concerning for Castonzo and the offensive line, Reich doesn’t believe a trip to the injured reserve is on the docket just yet.

“It’s always going to be evaluated week-to-week, but not anticipating that, no,” Reich said of placing Castonzo on IR.

The Colts have had two starting left tackles to begin the season — Joe Haeg in Week 1 and Le’Raven Clark in Week 2 — and the latter will likely get the start again after a strong performance against the Washington Redskins.

Castonzo didn’t practice at all this week, and it isn’t clear when he will return, but Reich maintains the setback was minor.

Only time will tell on that front.

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